Mikal Bridges Dominates in Brooklyn Nets Win Over Boston Celtics

The Brooklyn Nets picked up a surprising win over the Boston Celtics on Thursday night thanks to a superlative effort from trade deadline acquisition Mikal Bridges. The former Phoenix Sun dominated on his way to a 115-105 victory, compiling 38 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.

Bridges hit 13 of his 22 field goal attempts and eight of his nine free throws in a little under 43 minutes of playing time. It was his third 30+ point game since joining the Nets; he's averaging an impressive 25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game with an exceptional .668 true shooting percentage over his eight appearances with the team so far. He's been all the Nets could have hoped for and more. 

Bridges was one of the many assets the Nets acquired via the league-shaking trade of Kevin Durant; at this rate, he may be the best. The Nets basically surrendered their season by parting ways with Durant, but they still remain in play for the play-in tournament. They're 35-28 and sixth in the Eastern Conference. Regardless of how the rest of their schedule goes, they've clearly shifted their priorities toward the future, and Bridges appears worthy of being a big part of it.

The Nets host the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night.  

Photo Credit:  © Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports